return to main index

  mobile - desktop
follow us on facebook follow us on twitter follow us on YouTube link to us on LinkedIn
Southwestern Center for Herpetological Research  
Click to visit PACNWRS
This Space Available
Contact Sales!
Locate a business by name: click to list your business
search the classifieds. buy an account
events by zip code list an event
Search the forums             Search in:
News & Events: Have you seen shoutouts in odd spaces? Tell us! . . . . . . . . . .  Herp Photo of the Day: Cat Snake . . . . . . . . . .  Mimicry Misconceptions . . . . . . . . . .  Bay Area Herpetological Society Meeting - Nov 28, 2025 . . . . . . . . . .  Greater Cincinnati Herp Society Meeting - Dec 03, 2025 . . . . . . . . . .  Southwestern Herp Society Meeting - Dec 06, 2025 . . . . . . . . . .  Kentucky Reptile Expo - Dec. 06, 2025 . . . . . . . . . .  St. Louis Herpetological Society - Dec 14, 2025 . . . . . . . . . .  San Diego Herp Society Meeting - Dec 16, 2025 . . . . . . . . . .  Colorado Herp Society Meeting - Dec 20, 2025 . . . . . . . . . .  Colorado Herp Society Meeting - Dec 20, 2025 . . . . . . . . . .  Chicago Herpetological Society Meeting - Dec 21, 2025 . . . . . . . . . .  Bay Area Herpetological Society Meeting - Dec 26, 2025 . . . . . . . . . . 

Reptile and Amphibian Encyclopedia > Snakes > Rattlesnakes

Rattlesnakes

Rattlesnakes are a group of venomous snakes, genera Crotalus and Sistrurus. They belong to the subfamily of venomous snakes known commonly as pit vipers.

There are approximately thirty species of rattlesnake, with numerous subspecies. They receive their name for the rattle located at the end of their tails. The rattle is used as a warning device when threatened. Most rattlesnakes mate in the spring. All species give live birth, rather than laying eggs. The young are self-sufficient from birth. Since they do not need their mother after birth, the mother does not remain with her young. However, at least one captive study has demonstrated that females and their neonates show some level of affinity for each other's company and will cross barriers to reunite if separated.

Contrary to popular myth, rattlesnakes are not deaf. In fact, the structure of their inner ears is very much like that of other reptiles. They do, however, lack external ears. Sound (whether from air or ground vibration) is transmitted to the snake's inner ear via bone and muscle.

Crotalus

Sistrurus

Sponsored Link
International Reptile Conservation Foundation
advertise here

New & Updated Business Listings

Looking for a reptile or amphibian related business? A reptile store, breeder, importer, maunfacturer or supplier? Our business directory lists some of the most popluar herp businesses in the world.
Locate a reptile or amphibian business by name:
New
• QBall Morphs
• Predator Foods
• Kentucky Reptile Expo
• Apet Inc.
• Jungle Bob's Reptile World
• International Reptile Conse...
• Florida Iguana & Tortoise B...
• LLL Reptile - San Diego
• LLL Reptile - Peoria
• LLL Reptile - Menifee
Updated
• Zoo Med Laboratories, Inc.
• Zeigler Animal Feeds
• Florida Iguana & Tortoise B...
• California Zoological Suppl...
• Xtreme Exotics
• The Big Cheese Rodent Facto...
• Northwest Zoological Supply
• Mouse Works LLC
• International Reptile Conse...
• Jungle Bob's Reptile World
list your business on kingsnake.com

Banner Pool

Click to visit Classifieds
advertise here - click for info



kingsnake.com | NRAAC.ORG | ReptileBusinessGuide.com | ReptileShowGuide.com | ReptileShows.mobi | Connected By Cars | DesertRunner.org
AprilFirstBioEngineering | GunHobbyist.com | GunShowGuide.com | GunShows.mobi | GunBusinessGuide.com | club kingsnake | live stage magazine


powered by kingsnake.com
Click here for Hornworms from Pioneer Feeders
pool banner - advertise here
Click here for Hornworms from Pioneer Feeders
advertise here
Click to visit Brass Man Reptiles
advertise here
kingsnake.com® is a registered trademark© 1997-
    - this site optimized for 1024x768 resolution -